New handbook lets librarians use the Internet to hone skills, develop important contacts, find employment…and more

January 7, 2002, Medford, NJ — Information Today, Inc. has announced the publication of The Information Professional’s Guide to Career Development Online, by Sarah L. Nesbeitt and Rachel Singer Gordon. According to the publisher, this is the first comprehensive handbook for Internet-connected librarians who are interested in using online tools to build their skills and advance their careers.

Authors Nesbeitt and Gordon, both experienced librarians, operate Web sites focusing on employment opportunities for information professionals. They said their experience running these sites inspired them to write the book, which offers advice on topics ranging from current awareness services and personal Web pages to distance education, electronic resumes, and online job searches. The book’s exhaustive coverage is designed to help up-and-coming librarians use the Net to research educational and networking opportunities, and to help experienced information professionals find new ways to keep current.

“This is a thorough why-to and how-to book, showing librarians how to use the Web for professional training, networking, job hunting, and becoming known in the library community,” according to Marylaine Block, founder of ExLibris, the popular Web site for library professionals.

The book features thirteen chapters organized in four broad topical sections: “Learning and Growing Online,” “Professional Involvement,” “Education,” and “Employment.” Included are chapters on getting connected, networking with peers, using current awareness services, participating in conferences, building compelling Web sites, finding education and training, applying for scholarships, creating electronic resumes, researching employment opportunities, and more. Also included are extensive, annotated listings of useful Web sites, discussion groups, professional organizations and conferences, publishing outlets, and other resources for information professionals—all accessible via the Internet.
 

Dedicated Web Site Provides Links to Recommended Resources
As a reader bonus, the book is supported by the Career Development Online Web Site, featuring updated links to Internet resources recommended by the authors.

Sarah L. Nesbeitt is Reference/Systems Librarian at Maxwell Library, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and the North American editor for the library journal, Reference Reviews. Since 1995 she has compiled “Library Job Postings on the Internet,” a Web-based guide for librarians seeking employment. Rachel Singer Gordon was Computer Services Head at the Franklin Park Public Library, Franklin Park, Illinois, until 2001, when she left to pursue a full-time career as a writer, editor, and Webmaster. She is the founding editor of Info Career Trends, an electronic newsletter focusing on career development issues for information professionals, and runs the Lisjobs.com Web site.

The Information Professional’s Guide to Career Development Online is published by Information Today, Inc., (ITI). For more information and to order, contact the publisher at 800-300-9868 (outside the U.S. call 609-654-6266), fax: 609-654-4309, e-mail: custserv@infotoday.com, or simply click on the "Order Now" button (left). 

2002/401 pp/softbound 
ISBN: 1-57387-124-9
$29.50